The recent suspension of three judges by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in Nigeria for misconduct is a step in the right direction, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared to the rot in the judiciary.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, Justice Jane E. Inyang, and Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu have been suspended for one year without pay for various forms of misconduct.
Justice Ekwo’s case is particularly egregious, as he delivered a ruling without hearing the parties involved.
This blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law is a travesty.
His suspension and placement on the NJC’s watch list for five years are welcome, but one wonders if this is enough to deter others from similar misconduct.
The NJC’s decision to publish the names of candidates for judicial appointments for public comment is a positive development. This move towards transparency and accountability is long overdue.
However, the fact that it took so long for the NJC to take action against these judges raises questions about the effectiveness of the council’s oversight mechanisms.
The suspension of these judges is a small victory, but it’s a reminder that there are still many more judges who may be engaging in similar misconduct.
The judiciary needs a thorough overhaul, and the NJC must be more proactive in rooting out corruption and ensuring that judges are held accountable for their actions.
As we celebrate this small win, we must also acknowledge that there’s still much work to be done to restore the integrity of the judiciary.
The NJC’s actions must be followed by concrete steps to address the systemic issues that allow corruption to thrive in the judiciary.
Anything less would be a mere Band-Aid solution.
The Nigerian people deserve better. It’s time for the judiciary to earn back the trust of the people.
The suspension of these judges is just the beginning.
Diaspora Digital Media recommends a more decisive action to clean up the judiciary and ensure that justice is served without fear or favour.